Jeff Thrush and Norbert Vance came up with an idea to host a workshop on CCD imaging and astrophotography in December 2002.  It was short notice to bring everything together for a proposed January meet.   January is often brutually cold and frequently cloudy, but the intent was to bring people out of hibernation to get fired up about astronomy, to converse and share ideas, and, if lucky, see and use the equipment on site.  Well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad!  It was cloudy but a fresh snowfall, mild temperatures, and frozen Fish Lake made for some beautiful winter scenery.  A seven foot tall "snowperson" on the lake provided some jovial moments during a break from the presentations.  After an introduction by Norbert Vance, valuable and interesting information was presented throughout Friday night and Saturday by experienced local veterans in the science and art of astrophotography.  Many thanks go to Clayton Kessler, Jim Frisbie, Jeff Thrush, Carl Burton, and Bruce Johnston for their informative talks!  It took exceptional effort and time to prepare these talks, to share ideas and experiences.  That effort was greatly appreciated.  Saturday's enthusiasm become solomn when we learned of the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia crew.  A moment of silence was held in their honor.  Later Saturday, Linda Hancock not only presented the gang with delicious dessert treats (home made chocolate pies and apple pastries helped lighten the mood) but also shared her experiences and facinating slides, maps, and prints from a recent voyage to Antarctica - thanks Linda!!  Below are a selection of pictures from the weekend.  Click on each thumbnail picture to get a larger version.  Additional follow up info and links will be added over the next few weeks so check back.

The last few images are downtown Lapeer, not too far from Fish Lake (KEEC).  Notice that a new streetlighting project further threatens skies that were inky black only 15 years ago.  The growth of  northern Oakland county, southern Lapeer county, and Lapeer itself has taken a toll on once ideal skies.  Please write letters to officials in Lapeer to make them aware of the ever increasing problems of light pollution.  Their choice of lights contradicts energy conservation and environmental quality.  Decorative full cut-off choices are available and are effective when used in conservative numbers.  Help! http://www.county.lapeer.org/